Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10
Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 10:14AM CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews, Site ArticlesPosted by: Va'al Views: 31,548
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First Bomp
(Spoiler free-ish)
(Spoiler free-ish)
Synopsis
HOMECOMING! FIRST AID, the Autobots' Chief Medical Officer, returns to the Lost Light to find that everything has changed: the ship is now under the command of the treacherous GETAWAY, half of his closest friends are missing, and-most shocking of all-the crew is actually making progress...
THIS close
Story
It's been a really long while since we last saw the Lost Light (ship) in its titular series, at least for more than a corner of a panel shot of the outside, and this issue has been expected by a lot of readers in generally two large camps of positive and negative apprehension. How did it fare? I find myself squarely between both.
#same
James Roberts' script brings First Aid and the Protectobots - and makes a running gag out of Rook's presence too that will sound familiar to the fandom (at least in the opening paragraph, if not the issue itself) - in a way that will please readers that wanted to see more of First Aid, that is most definitely a given. Along with him, and I'm thinking of Riptide and Mirage in particular, bring very much plenty of their core characteristics to a plotting that needs anchors.
Like canonical linchpin Rook
On the other side, there are two major points I disagree with in the issue: the twisting of the plot - which is an extremely gigantic spoiler to talk about here, so see below - and the disparity of treatment of character between Getaway and Megatron. Namely: how do you turn a character (Getaway) that has had legitimate motives for action, while terrible morals in doing said action, I am not disputing that and never have, into the Worst Character Ever by playing with issues of narcissism, despotry and manipulation - points he entirely 'redeemed' in the actual despot (Megatron) said character was going against?
Look, I'm torn, ok?
There are obviously two more issues to make the writing work, including the frustrating take on Getaway so far that may be more justified (or at least explained, somehow), but I come away from this book with a feeling that The Twist has reduced that space significantly - and without good reason - and limit some character work that could've otherwise intervened. More below.
Art
In terms of the visual work, however, I believe this to be one of the best displays of patient and careful work by Jack Lawrence, who has a nowhere-near-easy job of laying out scenes and panels in such a way that can hint at what might be actually taking place without revealing anything until it actually is. But take a close look at the crowd scenes, on a second read, and compare to the individual shots.
Sample panel
What I also really appreciate, in the same way as that last point about the lineart, is how Joana Lafuente manages to bring a really quite dark tone overall by juxtaposing dull grey and brown palettes from the backgrounds with the otherwise brighter coloured characters and scenes - you know something just isn't quite right by just looking at it.
Other than the screeching, I mean
As a result, Tom B. Long work on letters doesn't have as much scope to include big fancy games, but the subtle plays with font sizes do lend themselves to the same effect as both art and colours. And he still manages to squeeze in some satisfying soundwords, too. I chose the Alex Milne and Josh Perez cover for the review thumbnail as a spotlighting reminder of the factions, but you can find all of the covers for the book right here, in our database entry.
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
I was disappointed, as you may have been able to tell through the review. I was disappointed not because of the entirely made-up feud between #TeamRodimus and #GetawayDidNothingWrong (that neither side takes seriously except when people step in and think they both do), but at how perceptions of what makes a villain have worrying ramifications since Megatron's redemption and Getaway's first introduction. Yes, the series is character-driven for the most part, or at least latches on to the characters to drive its plot, but I feel there's something missing from a bigger ethical, moral picture. Is Getaway a lying populist riding a wave of actual malcontent? Yes. Does that mean that everyone who is following him is exactly the same? No. Are we in danger of equating the two? Yes. Was Megatron given the same damning treatment during and after a genocide trial..? Why are we so clearly manipulated as readers by the narrative?
*coff*
Some of the characters are well written, well pitted against or with each other, but there are enough that are brought to the limit of their bio tag-line instead of using that as a core to make me not enjoy what the script might be trying to do with that comment. And I feel it detracts a lot from the space that the visual side of the story - for a recurring theme seen in all of TAAO for example - has to expand on how to deal with manipulation and the type of sequence that closes the book.
. 
out of
out of Credit(s): IDW
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Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917293)
Posted by Randomhero on October 18th, 2017 @ 10:45am CDT
Posted by Randomhero on October 18th, 2017 @ 10:45am CDT
Yeah I agree with a lot of your thoughts. I haven’t been shy to say Lost Light and a lot of MTMTE hasn’t worked for me as a comic reader becuase Roberts writes this series like a TV show and not a comic a lot and sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t.
Yes not everyone may know of what horifficic things Getaway is doing but we don’t know yet. There’s a lot of guys in this memeory loop that are there and lying and are aware of what’s going on and like I said with issue 50 I’m not happy with a lot of these beloved characters being okay with this stuff. It feels wrong and it is wrong. People like Perceptor, Inferno, Hoist, and Xarron. Xarron who is established as someone in charge of the judicial system in IDW is lyingin this issue and is fine with what’s going on. And I don’t want anyone jumping on with “well we can’t trust what we’re seeing becuase it’s a memeory look” it’s a loop not shadow play. The way it’s fully explained is their minds are manipulated to go with what’s going on but are stuck in a situation that goes in circles. It’s not altered in a sense to sway them one way or another. It’s not mneumosurgeon changing facts.
Yes not everyone may know of what horifficic things Getaway is doing but we don’t know yet. There’s a lot of guys in this memeory loop that are there and lying and are aware of what’s going on and like I said with issue 50 I’m not happy with a lot of these beloved characters being okay with this stuff. It feels wrong and it is wrong. People like Perceptor, Inferno, Hoist, and Xarron. Xarron who is established as someone in charge of the judicial system in IDW is lyingin this issue and is fine with what’s going on. And I don’t want anyone jumping on with “well we can’t trust what we’re seeing becuase it’s a memeory look” it’s a loop not shadow play. The way it’s fully explained is their minds are manipulated to go with what’s going on but are stuck in a situation that goes in circles. It’s not altered in a sense to sway them one way or another. It’s not mneumosurgeon changing facts.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917304)
Posted by Va'al on October 18th, 2017 @ 11:21am CDT
Posted by Va'al on October 18th, 2017 @ 11:21am CDT
Oh don't get me wrong: Getaway is a piece of shit. Always has been since introduction in IDWverse.
So was Megatron. A genocidal piece of shit. And he was redeemed, made charismatic, and endeared to the reader.
I am frustrated by how the two are being used by the narrative in almost opposite ways, to condemn one while shrugging away the other. While both being pieces of shit.
So was Megatron. A genocidal piece of shit. And he was redeemed, made charismatic, and endeared to the reader.
I am frustrated by how the two are being used by the narrative in almost opposite ways, to condemn one while shrugging away the other. While both being pieces of shit.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917310)
Posted by Randomhero on October 18th, 2017 @ 11:38am CDT
Posted by Randomhero on October 18th, 2017 @ 11:38am CDT
I think he’s just a terrible character. He’s willing to murder innocent autobots(tailgate) to what? Get revenge on Megatron? Okay? At what cost? If this was a Prowl thing becuase let’s be honest this is something Prowl would do. Put his own agents in the ship to benefit his own means-something he’s done before- and get rid of Megatron but we know from both point of views-getaway’s(#50)and Prowl’s(Titans Return story)- they’re not working together. I’m left asking “why are you an autobot? you don’t believe in the cause”
I think Getaway is just a poorly made character. his goal is to find the knights but why? He’s a war born cold constructed autobot. He didn’t live on cybertron before the war and he’s never lived in peace times so what’s his motivation? To be better than Rodimus? Congrats. You kinda already won
I think Getaway is just a poorly made character. his goal is to find the knights but why? He’s a war born cold constructed autobot. He didn’t live on cybertron before the war and he’s never lived in peace times so what’s his motivation? To be better than Rodimus? Congrats. You kinda already won
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917312)
Posted by Counterpunch on October 18th, 2017 @ 11:40am CDT
Posted by Counterpunch on October 18th, 2017 @ 11:40am CDT
My somewhat cluttered thoughts on my least favorite issue of the entire run...
All this, must be taken with three caveats:
1. Subsequent issues may make my complaints irrelevant. But if we're going to play with false memories and timelines, then it's a criticism the author has to accept the possibility of.
2. Jokes about Getaway aside. My dislike of the issue isn't a defense of the character or the running gag we've had with him.
3. I love the MtMtE series. I really do. I don't think that it's above criticism though and I would put heavy emphasis on blaming the editorial process for a lack of creative control here.
On to my points:
1. Getaway and Megatron's perceived villainy by the author is a major issue. The scope of Megatron's crimes is so broad, so absurdly horrid, that there is a moral vacuum left by embracing his redemption arc while villainous the actions of the characters who are forced to deal with it under an uncertain command structure are not put in context or rationally explained to the reader.
Going back to when the mutiny happened, a lot of otherwise sensible people were standing with (literally) Getaway in support. It doesn't line up with him being manically evil in a need to cover up what he's doing. Rationally, the crew only needs to explain to the Protectabots that they sent the Galactic Authority to collect Megatron because he was "corrupting" the crew.
The crew purposely let Getaway out to deal with a situation they saw as untenable. They can be wrong. They can be misguided. However they made a rational decision. They made a decision that could not have been made if someone like Perceptor sensed at all that Getaway was manically evil or villainous.
Parts don't fit.
2. I feel like the failure here is one of editing. The Mutineer's trilogy is 1/3rd over with an almost wasted issue. If these things ACTUALLY happened, it may matter. If the reality of the following events is different, a whole book was used to basically say: Getaway is a sleazy Prowl, which is something we already knew and is wasted effort. Proper editing or reigning in the author would have better regulated page real estate.
So either these things in the story happened and the character arcs and premise of rational behavior is in question or they didn't happen and the issue is a $3.99 red herring, which does not provide proper answers for the investment of the reader's time.
3. Characters are edging towards displaying the extreme parts of their personalities or are being written to represent an ideal character trait (for good or worse) rather than have a core guiding principle that their actions cue off of. In a way, it's kind of like how Roberts has turned Rodimus from a cavalier, but clever leader into a charismatic Homer Simpson, who while dramatically immature, still makes things happen. I began to think that it was all purposeful, that he was writing a deeply clever Rodimus, but I think that's in doubt now. There needs to be a pay off, the kind that the earlier MtMtE books did so well with characters like Swerve, Minimus, Whirl, or Cyclonus showing a depth to their personality quirks that puts context to their actions.
I love the series, but I really feel like the team that is supposed to guide the story parameters is allowing the author to do whatever on a monthly basis instead of taking a structured view of the series and keep the worth of each issue and character decision in context of the larger book.
Now, hopefully I'll be wrong and hopefully my take is limited by the serial nature of the comics. Lost Light has been a lost opportunity in my opinion so far. It's doing too much stuff and not doing enough to ground the book around its own beginning premise.
The Lost Light is getting to be a proper name in a way. The guiding light and direction of this character centric book is dimming.
For me, this issue is a
out of
If subsequent issues put a better context on the plot devices employed here, I might view it in a more positive light.
All this, must be taken with three caveats:
1. Subsequent issues may make my complaints irrelevant. But if we're going to play with false memories and timelines, then it's a criticism the author has to accept the possibility of.
2. Jokes about Getaway aside. My dislike of the issue isn't a defense of the character or the running gag we've had with him.
3. I love the MtMtE series. I really do. I don't think that it's above criticism though and I would put heavy emphasis on blaming the editorial process for a lack of creative control here.
On to my points:
1. Getaway and Megatron's perceived villainy by the author is a major issue. The scope of Megatron's crimes is so broad, so absurdly horrid, that there is a moral vacuum left by embracing his redemption arc while villainous the actions of the characters who are forced to deal with it under an uncertain command structure are not put in context or rationally explained to the reader.
Going back to when the mutiny happened, a lot of otherwise sensible people were standing with (literally) Getaway in support. It doesn't line up with him being manically evil in a need to cover up what he's doing. Rationally, the crew only needs to explain to the Protectabots that they sent the Galactic Authority to collect Megatron because he was "corrupting" the crew.
The crew purposely let Getaway out to deal with a situation they saw as untenable. They can be wrong. They can be misguided. However they made a rational decision. They made a decision that could not have been made if someone like Perceptor sensed at all that Getaway was manically evil or villainous.
Parts don't fit.
2. I feel like the failure here is one of editing. The Mutineer's trilogy is 1/3rd over with an almost wasted issue. If these things ACTUALLY happened, it may matter. If the reality of the following events is different, a whole book was used to basically say: Getaway is a sleazy Prowl, which is something we already knew and is wasted effort. Proper editing or reigning in the author would have better regulated page real estate.
So either these things in the story happened and the character arcs and premise of rational behavior is in question or they didn't happen and the issue is a $3.99 red herring, which does not provide proper answers for the investment of the reader's time.
3. Characters are edging towards displaying the extreme parts of their personalities or are being written to represent an ideal character trait (for good or worse) rather than have a core guiding principle that their actions cue off of. In a way, it's kind of like how Roberts has turned Rodimus from a cavalier, but clever leader into a charismatic Homer Simpson, who while dramatically immature, still makes things happen. I began to think that it was all purposeful, that he was writing a deeply clever Rodimus, but I think that's in doubt now. There needs to be a pay off, the kind that the earlier MtMtE books did so well with characters like Swerve, Minimus, Whirl, or Cyclonus showing a depth to their personality quirks that puts context to their actions.
I love the series, but I really feel like the team that is supposed to guide the story parameters is allowing the author to do whatever on a monthly basis instead of taking a structured view of the series and keep the worth of each issue and character decision in context of the larger book.
Now, hopefully I'll be wrong and hopefully my take is limited by the serial nature of the comics. Lost Light has been a lost opportunity in my opinion so far. It's doing too much stuff and not doing enough to ground the book around its own beginning premise.
The Lost Light is getting to be a proper name in a way. The guiding light and direction of this character centric book is dimming.
For me, this issue is a
out of If subsequent issues put a better context on the plot devices employed here, I might view it in a more positive light.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917313)
Posted by Randomhero on October 18th, 2017 @ 11:46am CDT
Posted by Randomhero on October 18th, 2017 @ 11:46am CDT
Well you’re wrong on creative control. Roberts has the most creative control out of all the writers. He’s admitted that several times and it shows with MTMTE/LL’s extremely minimal or no contribution to the event books. He’s allowed to do what he wants for the most part.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917314)
Posted by ScottyP on October 18th, 2017 @ 11:49am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on October 18th, 2017 @ 11:49am CDT
My way too brief comment (on lunch break, at work, on phone) is that I quite enjoyed it. Just wanted to put that out there since the comments here so far are completely bumming me out.
That said, negative bend aside, there are some very well thought points here I plan to come back to this evening. Agreed with some of the critique, uncertain about some other points.
That said, negative bend aside, there are some very well thought points here I plan to come back to this evening. Agreed with some of the critique, uncertain about some other points.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917316)
Posted by Randomhero on October 18th, 2017 @ 12:00pm CDT
Posted by Randomhero on October 18th, 2017 @ 12:00pm CDT
Well I’m not go lie and say “it’s good becuase it’s lost Light/MTMTE and it’s james Roberts”. There’s been enough of that blind praise for years now and I know I’ll get flack for that but we all know it’s around and again I’ll say this and I’ll get flack for it; the absence of Alex Milne has shown some that this book has flaws in the storytelling. The fact that some people who have quit reading Lost Ligjt and now say they will be coming back for that one issue becuase “the band is back together” shows that. People who claim they haven’t read anything in over a year will buy it becuase Alex. That’s ridiculous.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917320)
Posted by william-james88 on October 18th, 2017 @ 12:14pm CDT
I really feel its due to the scope at play and the legacy o the characters. Getaway is a whipping boy, I dont really have a better way to say that. His actions are more on a micro level and easier to see him as a piece of shit.
Megatron is a piece of shit on a grand scale to the point where its harder to judge by comparison. The cause was greater, the stakes were higher, the result was a devastation of their world from both sides.
I feel its like comparing a politician vs some guy who bumped into you on the subway, making you spill your coffee on yourself and not saying sorry while just walking away. That politician probably does some stuff you really dont agree with which could lead to devastating circumstances (ie: removing subvention of social programs to finance more war efforts) but come on, that guy on the subway was a real asshole, he didnt even say sorry, WTF!?!?!
Posted by william-james88 on October 18th, 2017 @ 12:14pm CDT
Va'al wrote:I am frustrated by how the two are being used by the narrative in almost opposite ways, to condemn one while shrugging away the other. While both being pieces of ****.
I really feel its due to the scope at play and the legacy o the characters. Getaway is a whipping boy, I dont really have a better way to say that. His actions are more on a micro level and easier to see him as a piece of shit.
Megatron is a piece of shit on a grand scale to the point where its harder to judge by comparison. The cause was greater, the stakes were higher, the result was a devastation of their world from both sides.
I feel its like comparing a politician vs some guy who bumped into you on the subway, making you spill your coffee on yourself and not saying sorry while just walking away. That politician probably does some stuff you really dont agree with which could lead to devastating circumstances (ie: removing subvention of social programs to finance more war efforts) but come on, that guy on the subway was a real asshole, he didnt even say sorry, WTF!?!?!
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917322)
Posted by Randomhero on October 18th, 2017 @ 12:20pm CDT
Posted by Randomhero on October 18th, 2017 @ 12:20pm CDT
Getaway ain’t a whipping boy or just some guy. He’s a member of Prowls secret intelligence and police. That’s pretty high up on a threat level.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917340)
Posted by Counterpunch on October 18th, 2017 @ 1:19pm CDT
Not what I was saying.
I'm saying that it seems like there's no support around the writer to suggest pacing corrections or individual issue page management.
Posted by Counterpunch on October 18th, 2017 @ 1:19pm CDT
Randomhero wrote:Well you’re wrong on creative control. Roberts has the most creative control out of all the writers. He’s admitted that several times and it shows with MTMTE/LL’s extremely minimal or no contribution to the event books. He’s allowed to do what he wants for the most part.
Not what I was saying.
I'm saying that it seems like there's no support around the writer to suggest pacing corrections or individual issue page management.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917341)
Posted by william-james88 on October 18th, 2017 @ 1:20pm CDT
The whipping boy comment was in reference to how the readership/author may see him, how he is treated by us, not his actual in story function/title.
Posted by william-james88 on October 18th, 2017 @ 1:20pm CDT
Randomhero wrote:Getaway ain’t a whipping boy or just some guy. He’s a member of Prowls secret intelligence and police. That’s pretty high up on a threat level.
The whipping boy comment was in reference to how the readership/author may see him, how he is treated by us, not his actual in story function/title.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917345)
Posted by Counterpunch on October 18th, 2017 @ 1:30pm CDT
Agreed.
As for this issue, he's being portrayed to make a point rather than cue off his previously rational though jerkass behavior.
(unless all this cartoon villainy is merely part of the dream and isn't how it truly played out)
Posted by Counterpunch on October 18th, 2017 @ 1:30pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:Randomhero wrote:Getaway ain’t a whipping boy or just some guy. He’s a member of Prowls secret intelligence and police. That’s pretty high up on a threat level.
The whipping boy comment was in reference to how the readership/author may see him, how he is treated by us, not his actual in story function/title.
Agreed.
As for this issue, he's being portrayed to make a point rather than cue off his previously rational though jerkass behavior.
(unless all this cartoon villainy is merely part of the dream and isn't how it truly played out)
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917355)
Posted by Kurona on October 18th, 2017 @ 1:50pm CDT
We need to go deeper.
Posted by Kurona on October 18th, 2017 @ 1:50pm CDT
Counterpunch wrote:(unless all this cartoon villainy is merely part of the dream and isn't how it truly played out)
We need to go deeper.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917372)
Posted by Randomhero on October 18th, 2017 @ 2:20pm CDT
No this is exactly how Getaway was in season two. When he was first reintroduced in season two he was pushing drinks in tailgates face and telling him everything he wanted to hear. A lot of people were saying they were getting rape like vibes in how he was treating and everyone was hoping Cyclonus would kill him for it. It wasn’t just a sly rational behavior, it was fully “something is going here” just like this.
It’s not a dream it’s a memeory. A looped memory what we saw is what happened. If it was a dream or something completely different why be so horrific? Instead of revealing what’s really going on it’d be more to sway them to joining.
Posted by Randomhero on October 18th, 2017 @ 2:20pm CDT
Counterpunch wrote:william-james88 wrote:Randomhero wrote:Getaway ain’t a whipping boy or just some guy. He’s a member of Prowls secret intelligence and police. That’s pretty high up on a threat level.
The whipping boy comment was in reference to how the readership/author may see him, how he is treated by us, not his actual in story function/title.
Agreed.
As for this issue, he's being portrayed to make a point rather than cue off his previously rational though jerkass behavior.
(unless all this cartoon villainy is merely part of the dream and isn't how it truly played out)
No this is exactly how Getaway was in season two. When he was first reintroduced in season two he was pushing drinks in tailgates face and telling him everything he wanted to hear. A lot of people were saying they were getting rape like vibes in how he was treating and everyone was hoping Cyclonus would kill him for it. It wasn’t just a sly rational behavior, it was fully “something is going here” just like this.
It’s not a dream it’s a memeory. A looped memory what we saw is what happened. If it was a dream or something completely different why be so horrific? Instead of revealing what’s really going on it’d be more to sway them to joining.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917373)
Posted by ScottyP on October 18th, 2017 @ 2:23pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on October 18th, 2017 @ 2:23pm CDT
Nah, it's 2017, just check Twitter https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/ ... 7452993538Kurona wrote:Counterpunch wrote:(unless all this cartoon villainy is merely part of the dream and isn't how it truly played out)
We need to go deeper.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917380)
Posted by Kurona on October 18th, 2017 @ 2:32pm CDT
That's boring though
Posted by Kurona on October 18th, 2017 @ 2:32pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:Nah, it's 2017, just check Twitter https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/ ... 7452993538Kurona wrote:Counterpunch wrote:(unless all this cartoon villainy is merely part of the dream and isn't how it truly played out)
We need to go deeper.
That's boring though
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917387)
Posted by Counterpunch on October 18th, 2017 @ 2:39pm CDT
That was some James Bond level spy work there. Manipulating the feelings of a gullible love interest to key off a dastardly plot.
Getaway is a bad guy. I repeat...he's doing awful things.
The difference is that before, he was doing it because it served his (and the rest of the crew's view) of a greater good. This all seems to be an exercise in emphasizing he's a immoral shitlord.
Remember when we thought Getaway abandoned Rodimus and the bunch to the DJD instead of the GA? This is similar, but served up in one issue without other plot devices to help sort it out, it's potentially in my opinion a poor character evolution.
This all comes about because the guy who led a 4 million year long genocidal crusade was suddenly put among his former opponents and given command and a pass for his transgressions. If you can't see the other side's difficulty accepting that and how it would push them to make ugly decisions themselves, the conversation is moot. Getaway is at the moment, the scapegoat. EVERYONE let Getaway out.
(unless he somehow forcefully changed their minds and everyone is victim to his BS)
Fair enough about the memory.
But it's not like memory isn't something beyond manipulation here. The memory seemed to need to be horrible to keep the loop going. If it had a sensible conclusion, they could escape (is how I see it).
Posted by Counterpunch on October 18th, 2017 @ 2:39pm CDT
Randomhero wrote:Counterpunch wrote:william-james88 wrote:Randomhero wrote:Getaway ain’t a whipping boy or just some guy. He’s a member of Prowls secret intelligence and police. That’s pretty high up on a threat level.
The whipping boy comment was in reference to how the readership/author may see him, how he is treated by us, not his actual in story function/title.
Agreed.
As for this issue, he's being portrayed to make a point rather than cue off his previously rational though jerkass behavior.
(unless all this cartoon villainy is merely part of the dream and isn't how it truly played out)
No this is exactly how Getaway was in season two. When he was first reintroduced in season two he was pushing drinks in tailgates face and telling him everything he wanted to hear. A lot of people were saying they were getting rape like vibes in how he was treating and everyone was hoping Cyclonus would kill him for it. It wasn’t just a sly rational behavior, it was fully “something is going here” just like this.
That was some James Bond level spy work there. Manipulating the feelings of a gullible love interest to key off a dastardly plot.
Getaway is a bad guy. I repeat...he's doing awful things.
The difference is that before, he was doing it because it served his (and the rest of the crew's view) of a greater good. This all seems to be an exercise in emphasizing he's a immoral shitlord.
Remember when we thought Getaway abandoned Rodimus and the bunch to the DJD instead of the GA? This is similar, but served up in one issue without other plot devices to help sort it out, it's potentially in my opinion a poor character evolution.
This all comes about because the guy who led a 4 million year long genocidal crusade was suddenly put among his former opponents and given command and a pass for his transgressions. If you can't see the other side's difficulty accepting that and how it would push them to make ugly decisions themselves, the conversation is moot. Getaway is at the moment, the scapegoat. EVERYONE let Getaway out.
(unless he somehow forcefully changed their minds and everyone is victim to his BS)
It’s not a dream it’s a memeory. A looped memory what we saw is what happened. If it was a dream or something completely different why be so horrific? Instead of revealing what’s really going on it’d be more to sway them to joining.
Fair enough about the memory.
But it's not like memory isn't something beyond manipulation here. The memory seemed to need to be horrible to keep the loop going. If it had a sensible conclusion, they could escape (is how I see it).
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917425)
Posted by ScottyP on October 18th, 2017 @ 6:41pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on October 18th, 2017 @ 6:41pm CDT
If I dig through your earlier, longer post and this one, this is probably the one part that I would disagree with. For one, we know based on the Protectobots' conversation at the table that Mirage and First Aid would have been along with the Mutineers, at least in theory. Is Getaway lying to pry a wedge in his relationship with the others? Is he playing a game because he's hiding something from Prowl? Has Prowl given separate orders in between CW and this that we don't know about - especially considering he was in a combiner with Mirage and might have an understanding of how he feels about the situation? Are the Mutineers in Visages talking to First Aid following orders, or not wanting to hurt his feelings? Was the whole thing just "generally lie to them when they return and they'll probably get over it quickly and we can move on, and if not then we move in to harm them"? There's too much unknown - and you've pointed this out too, but I'm admittedly too caught up in the mystery to let this feeling take over to any significant capacity.Counterpunch wrote:The difference is that before, he was doing it because it served his (and the rest of the crew's view) of a greater good. This all seems to be an exercise in emphasizing he's a immoral shitlord.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917461)
Posted by william-james88 on October 18th, 2017 @ 9:44pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on October 18th, 2017 @ 9:44pm CDT
Kurona wrote:Counterpunch wrote:(unless all this cartoon villainy is merely part of the dream and isn't how it truly played out)
We need to go deeper.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917462)
Posted by SureShot18 on October 18th, 2017 @ 9:50pm CDT
Posted by SureShot18 on October 18th, 2017 @ 9:50pm CDT
First of all, I loved the issue while reading it. So I’m kinda bummed that what I think is the best issue of Lost Light is still getting hate. It’s pretty obvious that the Protectobots and Mirage are in a time loop like Thunderclash. It appears to be Getaway’s go to solution for dissenters. I’d also say that clearly not everyone on the Lost Light is in agreement with Getaway. Riptide alludes that he is not the only one ,of course there’s Thunderclash, but there are possibly others as well. Hound for one did not seem entirely happy with Getaway’s leadership. My theory is that the only crew members ,besides Getaway, that are aware of everything are Atomizer and the other Security Team members. The others are either not being told the whole truth, being forced to follow orders, or perhaps Getaway used his nudge gun, which he presumably still has. I doubt that they too are in a time loop.
There are a few interesting things I’ve noticed myself and read about elsewhere though. First of all, one that may be of most importance (and credit goes to ZeroiaSD on TFW), Mainframe says that, “Finding the warren helped...”. A warren is a small mammal den, specifically rabbits. Brain module bite marks? Petrorabbits? Perceptor and Blaster are no where to be seen in the issue, I find it hard to believe that well-known characters like them wouldn’t be even shown in the background. Presumably their brain modules are in the engex. Finally, both First Aid and Riptide have gray Autobot symbols, while everyone else has red. Lots of interesting things being brought up in this issue.
Finally perhaps Roberts intended to make Getaway seem like a Megatron villain. Think about it, both of them were on the moral high ground at the beginning but then they did more and more terrible things “for the greater good” and they ended up with chewed on brain modules. So in the process of trying to get rid of Megatron, Getaway has essentially become him, albeit a less genocidal version.
Idk maybe I’m just spouting nonsense. *shrug*
There are a few interesting things I’ve noticed myself and read about elsewhere though. First of all, one that may be of most importance (and credit goes to ZeroiaSD on TFW), Mainframe says that, “Finding the warren helped...”. A warren is a small mammal den, specifically rabbits. Brain module bite marks? Petrorabbits? Perceptor and Blaster are no where to be seen in the issue, I find it hard to believe that well-known characters like them wouldn’t be even shown in the background. Presumably their brain modules are in the engex. Finally, both First Aid and Riptide have gray Autobot symbols, while everyone else has red. Lots of interesting things being brought up in this issue.
Finally perhaps Roberts intended to make Getaway seem like a Megatron villain. Think about it, both of them were on the moral high ground at the beginning but then they did more and more terrible things “for the greater good” and they ended up with chewed on brain modules. So in the process of trying to get rid of Megatron, Getaway has essentially become him, albeit a less genocidal version.
Idk maybe I’m just spouting nonsense. *shrug*
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917465)
Posted by ScottyP on October 18th, 2017 @ 10:16pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on October 18th, 2017 @ 10:16pm CDT
I'd signed on to read some posts and was going to look up "The Warren" before bed. You've saved me some time! Wonder if it has anything to do with Mayhem?
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917494)
Posted by Va'al on October 19th, 2017 @ 6:49am CDT
Posted by Va'al on October 19th, 2017 @ 6:49am CDT
(Sidenote: I really do appreciate the level of conversation and critical engagement we're having with an comic issue that is not a simple like/don't like situation.)
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917496)
Posted by Va'al on October 19th, 2017 @ 8:17am CDT
Posted by Va'al on October 19th, 2017 @ 8:17am CDT
Good news, UK-orbiting readers! With the release of the first trade of IDW Publishing's Transformers: Lost Light, Orbital Comics in London is hosting a signing session with writer James Roberts and main artist Jack Lawrence. The event takes place on Friday 10th November, and you can check out the poster below!
They’re the most traumatised, lovelorn and sarcastic Autobots in the galaxy, and they’ve just been marooned by a mutinous escapologist. It’s time for this ragtag group of would-be heroes to band together to find their way home to their stolen spaceship – the Lost Light.
To celebrate the release of volume one of Transformers: Lost Light, we’re proud to welcome back series writer James Roberts and artist Jack “Jackademus” Lawrence to Orbital Comics for an unmissable signing.
Autobots… ROLL OUT!!
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917502)
Posted by Counterpunch on October 19th, 2017 @ 9:20am CDT
Posted by Counterpunch on October 19th, 2017 @ 9:20am CDT
For what it's worth...I hope I'm wrong in my takes.
I hope that the plot architecture of the story is only caught in this blind spot because of the serial nature of the books.
I hope that the plot architecture of the story is only caught in this blind spot because of the serial nature of the books.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917521)
Posted by Va'al on October 19th, 2017 @ 1:09pm CDT
Even if that is the case - which I also hope to see happen - the wider point of editorial lack still applies. I know that some writers are better at single issues and other better as story arcs and collected trades, but a good editor will make sure that a good writer is able to deliver a good story using the serialised nature of the medium. A better story collected? Of course. A patchy, whiplashy one when read as single issues? No, not for me.
Posted by Va'al on October 19th, 2017 @ 1:09pm CDT
Counterpunch wrote:For what it's worth...I hope I'm wrong in my takes.
I hope that the plot architecture of the story is only caught in this blind spot because of the serial nature of the books.
Even if that is the case - which I also hope to see happen - the wider point of editorial lack still applies. I know that some writers are better at single issues and other better as story arcs and collected trades, but a good editor will make sure that a good writer is able to deliver a good story using the serialised nature of the medium. A better story collected? Of course. A patchy, whiplashy one when read as single issues? No, not for me.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917572)
Posted by ArmadaPrime on October 20th, 2017 @ 2:49am CDT
Posted by ArmadaPrime on October 20th, 2017 @ 2:49am CDT
I've both loved and hated trading this discussion because personally this was one of my favourite episodes of lost light, and honestly was up there for mtmte in general. That said, I am biased for a few reasons: 1) as I said a few pages back, I adore first aid and love anything that spotlights him 2) something I make no secret of, I have a brain despise getaway with every fibre of my being. He's cruel, ruthless, and willing to use the most disgusting approaches to further his goals without showing a scrap of remorse. Does anyone really think Whirl's problem with the plan was Megatron being killed? I'm pretty sure his problem was getaway sexually assaulting a child who was then sent to his death to get megs killed.
Then we have the more interesting point of debate: 3) I really love Roberts' Megatron. A lot of people don't think he ever deserves redemption, and I don't wholly disagree. However what megs is, to me, is a revolutionary who was driven to terrible things by an oppressive system, and who's own fragile-at-best mental state allowed those things to corrupt him and push him further down a road of ever-worsening atrocities. It's important to note (and the other ongoing does overall a very solid job of it) that OP was in some ways not too dissimilar. Sjmilarly, Soundwave is pretty much a "good guy" now, and most (myself included) are enjoying him in that role. One could even argue the same for starscream- as megs' right and left hand men, both of these two were instrumental in pretty much every aspect of the war.
Do I think that Megatron should be forgiven and we should brush the last few million years off? Categorically not. But do I think it's important that megs, who is arguably the most repentant of the 4 I mentioned, ought to be given an opportunity to at least find peace with himself, and do something good with the rest of his life? Maybe, yeah.
Ramble over, what's my point in relation to this issue? I don't agree with any drawing of parallel between Getaway and Megatron. Getaway is deeply, personally vile and self-servient has pretty much always been this way. There's no indication that like Megatron he originally came from a morally good place. Especially if you remember that he's been at this since before Megatron joined the crew. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it was one of getaways cronies who offered rodimus the find-a-new-captain vote results, back in dark Cybertron before Megs was assigned to the ship?
My point is I guess, anyone who feels this is OOC for getaway: go back and read his previous highlights again. Read 47 (I think? You Know The One) again, and again, and again. Getaway nis and always has been evil imo.
EDIT: oh, and I really loved the actual plot! I agree that the time loop could have done with maybe 1 less page, but I think it needed a few pages to really drive home the sense of "oh... oh No...". Would have enjoyed a deeper look at hound/xaaron (especially xaaron, personally), and the teeth marks line has still got me feeling
Then we have the more interesting point of debate: 3) I really love Roberts' Megatron. A lot of people don't think he ever deserves redemption, and I don't wholly disagree. However what megs is, to me, is a revolutionary who was driven to terrible things by an oppressive system, and who's own fragile-at-best mental state allowed those things to corrupt him and push him further down a road of ever-worsening atrocities. It's important to note (and the other ongoing does overall a very solid job of it) that OP was in some ways not too dissimilar. Sjmilarly, Soundwave is pretty much a "good guy" now, and most (myself included) are enjoying him in that role. One could even argue the same for starscream- as megs' right and left hand men, both of these two were instrumental in pretty much every aspect of the war.
Do I think that Megatron should be forgiven and we should brush the last few million years off? Categorically not. But do I think it's important that megs, who is arguably the most repentant of the 4 I mentioned, ought to be given an opportunity to at least find peace with himself, and do something good with the rest of his life? Maybe, yeah.
Ramble over, what's my point in relation to this issue? I don't agree with any drawing of parallel between Getaway and Megatron. Getaway is deeply, personally vile and self-servient has pretty much always been this way. There's no indication that like Megatron he originally came from a morally good place. Especially if you remember that he's been at this since before Megatron joined the crew. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it was one of getaways cronies who offered rodimus the find-a-new-captain vote results, back in dark Cybertron before Megs was assigned to the ship?
My point is I guess, anyone who feels this is OOC for getaway: go back and read his previous highlights again. Read 47 (I think? You Know The One) again, and again, and again. Getaway nis and always has been evil imo.
EDIT: oh, and I really loved the actual plot! I agree that the time loop could have done with maybe 1 less page, but I think it needed a few pages to really drive home the sense of "oh... oh No...". Would have enjoyed a deeper look at hound/xaaron (especially xaaron, personally), and the teeth marks line has still got me feeling
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917577)
Posted by Va'al on October 20th, 2017 @ 4:13am CDT
Posted by Va'al on October 20th, 2017 @ 4:13am CDT
Quick response: not at all out of character. No one - I think - is saying that Getaway is A Good Person.
Or at least, that was never what I meant to say, and I apologise if my phrasing misled readers. What I am trying to say is that we have 4millionyearwarlord and genocidal despot who decimated planets in pursuit of something (whatever the cause, that is currently irrelevant) being treated empathically and affectionately by the narrative. The narrative. The writing. The book. My issue is not the characters or how they react to him. It's how we're made to react to him.
Does he deserve personal redemption? I'm still not sure he does. No other despot in human history has that argument made for them, except in weird, dangerous political extremism - including the current resurgence of certain movements.
And on the other side, you have an abuser, a violent abuser, probable war criminal, and retch-inducing predator. Which has always been shown as this side of himself, by the narrative. No redemption or empathy. At all. Does he deserve them? No.
He's a despicable character with a populist streak riding a legitimate (ymmv) wave of protest for personal gain. The political parallel to many current political players worldwide is clear. Roberts has never been subtle in that.
Shorter version, as I said earlier: Getaway is a type of shitty character. Megatron is a type of shitty character. I dislike being manipulated into feeling good feelings for either of them.
Or at least, that was never what I meant to say, and I apologise if my phrasing misled readers. What I am trying to say is that we have 4millionyearwarlord and genocidal despot who decimated planets in pursuit of something (whatever the cause, that is currently irrelevant) being treated empathically and affectionately by the narrative. The narrative. The writing. The book. My issue is not the characters or how they react to him. It's how we're made to react to him.
Does he deserve personal redemption? I'm still not sure he does. No other despot in human history has that argument made for them, except in weird, dangerous political extremism - including the current resurgence of certain movements.
And on the other side, you have an abuser, a violent abuser, probable war criminal, and retch-inducing predator. Which has always been shown as this side of himself, by the narrative. No redemption or empathy. At all. Does he deserve them? No.
He's a despicable character with a populist streak riding a legitimate (ymmv) wave of protest for personal gain. The political parallel to many current political players worldwide is clear. Roberts has never been subtle in that.
Shorter version, as I said earlier: Getaway is a type of shitty character. Megatron is a type of shitty character. I dislike being manipulated into feeling good feelings for either of them.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917595)
Posted by ScottyP on October 20th, 2017 @ 9:30am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on October 20th, 2017 @ 9:30am CDT
And what a brilliant move to have Mirage here in the thick of it. Barber usually gets the long-game continuity love, but Roberts fully deserves some here for Mirage. Part of his story in this issue was, for me, him fighting against doing anything that would label him a traitor - again, and right after he'd made peace with Ironhide and others about it!
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917636)
Posted by Va'al on October 20th, 2017 @ 1:07pm CDT
He also wonderfully glassed Getaway. While doing the fancy things you say. That was satisfying.
Posted by Va'al on October 20th, 2017 @ 1:07pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:And what a brilliant move to have Mirage here in the thick of it. Barber usually gets the long-game continuity love, but Roberts fully deserves some here for Mirage. Part of his story in this issue was, for me, him fighting against doing anything that would label him a traitor - again, and right after he'd made peace with Ironhide and others about it!
He also wonderfully glassed Getaway. While doing the fancy things you say. That was satisfying.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917641)
Posted by ArmadaPrime on October 20th, 2017 @ 1:31pm CDT
Now on that, we can agree
Actually I pretty much agree with you entirely- especially now I've realised the character-response vs reader-response distinction which is failed to pick up on (my fault, not yours!) before. As Roberts writes him, I like Megatron. I like that I like Megatron. But I'm not sure I like that I like liking Megatron. (Just in case I was being too coherent before
)
There's perhaps an interesting discussion to be had about intentions, remorse, and what if anything they count for- but that would require far more organised thoughts (and much more revision of ethics theories) than I tend to have, so I'll leave it there I think
...seriously though, I felt a sense of personal victory at that glassing. Dude makes me even as a reader (not just a reader-surrogate character) deeply uncomfortable. Might have to get the panel printed and framed.
Posted by ArmadaPrime on October 20th, 2017 @ 1:31pm CDT
Va'al wrote:ScottyP wrote:And what a brilliant move to have Mirage here in the thick of it. Barber usually gets the long-game continuity love, but Roberts fully deserves some here for Mirage. Part of his story in this issue was, for me, him fighting against doing anything that would label him a traitor - again, and right after he'd made peace with Ironhide and others about it!
He also wonderfully glassed Getaway. While doing the fancy things you say. That was satisfying.
Now on that, we can agree
Actually I pretty much agree with you entirely- especially now I've realised the character-response vs reader-response distinction which is failed to pick up on (my fault, not yours!) before. As Roberts writes him, I like Megatron. I like that I like Megatron. But I'm not sure I like that I like liking Megatron. (Just in case I was being too coherent before
)There's perhaps an interesting discussion to be had about intentions, remorse, and what if anything they count for- but that would require far more organised thoughts (and much more revision of ethics theories) than I tend to have, so I'll leave it there I think
...seriously though, I felt a sense of personal victory at that glassing. Dude makes me even as a reader (not just a reader-surrogate character) deeply uncomfortable. Might have to get the panel printed and framed.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917718)
Posted by Deliverence on October 20th, 2017 @ 11:58pm CDT
Posted by Deliverence on October 20th, 2017 @ 11:58pm CDT
First off I don't post often, but I do lurk this thread daily. I just wanted to bring up that, in my opinion, this is one of the best stand alone issues in all Lost Light/MTMTE since Swearth and I know that may not score me points with others and that's ok, because I don't keep score unlike Mirage groan. It actually tells a self contained story within its pages, rather than make you wait until the next month for the previous months story to be finished all the while continuing the current arc. Of course, if Roberts jammed these stories into little self contained segments we wouldn't have the delicious breadcrumbs to follow as we read through this little space opera.
I was actually smiling as I read this one. It was an enjoyable read, but I will acknowledge the conundrum of Megatron/Getaway. I could probably right a thesis paper on the subject and still be dead wrong and a lot has been said on the subject so far, so I won't get into it. My only real problem with this issue was that I know it's part one of a three part arc and as much of an enjoyable story as it was that's one issue where it seems you're going to reintroduce characters and take them right back off the table practically cutting your arc time down to two issues instead of three, just to illustrate a (possibly) rampant phenomenon on the Lost Light. (I bet the brains in storage are all being looped). Once more, I could be completely wrong, kinda like when you think you're going to fall out of a rollercoaster but you don't and that's half the fun and that's pretty much how I've been treating this whole beautiful mess.
I was actually smiling as I read this one. It was an enjoyable read, but I will acknowledge the conundrum of Megatron/Getaway. I could probably right a thesis paper on the subject and still be dead wrong and a lot has been said on the subject so far, so I won't get into it. My only real problem with this issue was that I know it's part one of a three part arc and as much of an enjoyable story as it was that's one issue where it seems you're going to reintroduce characters and take them right back off the table practically cutting your arc time down to two issues instead of three, just to illustrate a (possibly) rampant phenomenon on the Lost Light. (I bet the brains in storage are all being looped). Once more, I could be completely wrong, kinda like when you think you're going to fall out of a rollercoaster but you don't and that's half the fun and that's pretty much how I've been treating this whole beautiful mess.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917791)
Posted by Calvatron on October 21st, 2017 @ 10:52pm CDT
Posted by Calvatron on October 21st, 2017 @ 10:52pm CDT
I really like idw megatron and hope when we next see him he's moved on enough not to looking for redemption anymore. Not unrepentant for the harm he's caused, but no longer defining his self worth by the way he's perceived by others. Getaway i just don't like and never have, he's just a selfish asshat.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917971)
Posted by Insurgent on October 23rd, 2017 @ 5:51am CDT
Posted by Insurgent on October 23rd, 2017 @ 5:51am CDT
Hmmmm......
SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My favourite issue of Lost Light so far. Although I agree the ending went on far too long. I realised that the instant I saw Blades get hit, I didn't need a quarter of the issue to be a repeat. Just up to the crash would have been fine.
I like that there are clearly many on the crew who are regretting their choice to mutiny now. Including Hound. You can tell by his expression and the way he talks. So all those people upset by those characters going along with it..... they aren't happily going along with it.
And that mention of petrorabbits has me thinking. And just to play Devil's Advocate here. Because I enjoy playing that role, even when I disagree with the side I'm arguing. Ok, so we know Getaway was a manipulator and did anything to get rid of Megatron. But many in this crew have done horrible acts. Brainstorm was a Decepticon sleeper agent so he could perform more of the unethical experiments. Have we all forgotten that? Rodimus took off with his own little band of people and made a deal with Swindle to try and get off planet (start of Costa's run). Nautica tried to terminate her relationship with her best friend to ressurect someone she loved, and let Velocity have no say in it. Whirl beat up an unarmed and subdued prisoner. Cyclonus had a hand in trying to bring the Dead Universe into ours and WIPE OUT THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE! So you may all hate on Getaway, but no one's hands are clean. Not even Tailgate, who went and used his new super strength to beat the scrap out of Fangry because he jumped to conclusions and didn't listen. He let his ego get the better of him. And no, Tailgate is not a child. He is naive. But he is far from a child.
Now, we don't know why Getaway has put those brains in the jar. Those bite marks? The Warren? What if petrorabbits attacked them and mauled those missing crewmembers, trying to get their brains? Getaway managed to get them out but their bodies were too damaged and failing and the only way to save them was to put them in those jars, like the Bacta tank in Empire strikes back? Remember: Engex is MEDICINAL. And Swerves is locked to prevent any accidents from happening to the brains. And they are stuck in a memory loop to keep them active and prevent them from deteriorating. Getaway never actually said who they were or why they were there. Mirage started that fight when he glassed Getaway.
What about Thunderclash? Well... if he was a dissenter and didn't like Getaway, Getaway could have easily killed him. We know he's not above killing those in his way. So why hasn't he? Why has he kept him alive? Could it be his room is locked to prevent any of the Ex Decepticons from getting in and killing him? And correct me if I'm wrong, but Getaway made the Galactic Council promise that only Megatron would be killed, the other Autobots would just be marooned. They had no part in the DJD turning up and trying to kill everyone.
Getaway is not the irredeamable little **** everyone is hating on him as. He has displaying more honourable qualities that I'm not seeing anyone remember. Just sayin.....
SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My favourite issue of Lost Light so far. Although I agree the ending went on far too long. I realised that the instant I saw Blades get hit, I didn't need a quarter of the issue to be a repeat. Just up to the crash would have been fine.
I like that there are clearly many on the crew who are regretting their choice to mutiny now. Including Hound. You can tell by his expression and the way he talks. So all those people upset by those characters going along with it..... they aren't happily going along with it.
And that mention of petrorabbits has me thinking. And just to play Devil's Advocate here. Because I enjoy playing that role, even when I disagree with the side I'm arguing. Ok, so we know Getaway was a manipulator and did anything to get rid of Megatron. But many in this crew have done horrible acts. Brainstorm was a Decepticon sleeper agent so he could perform more of the unethical experiments. Have we all forgotten that? Rodimus took off with his own little band of people and made a deal with Swindle to try and get off planet (start of Costa's run). Nautica tried to terminate her relationship with her best friend to ressurect someone she loved, and let Velocity have no say in it. Whirl beat up an unarmed and subdued prisoner. Cyclonus had a hand in trying to bring the Dead Universe into ours and WIPE OUT THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE! So you may all hate on Getaway, but no one's hands are clean. Not even Tailgate, who went and used his new super strength to beat the scrap out of Fangry because he jumped to conclusions and didn't listen. He let his ego get the better of him. And no, Tailgate is not a child. He is naive. But he is far from a child.
Now, we don't know why Getaway has put those brains in the jar. Those bite marks? The Warren? What if petrorabbits attacked them and mauled those missing crewmembers, trying to get their brains? Getaway managed to get them out but their bodies were too damaged and failing and the only way to save them was to put them in those jars, like the Bacta tank in Empire strikes back? Remember: Engex is MEDICINAL. And Swerves is locked to prevent any accidents from happening to the brains. And they are stuck in a memory loop to keep them active and prevent them from deteriorating. Getaway never actually said who they were or why they were there. Mirage started that fight when he glassed Getaway.
What about Thunderclash? Well... if he was a dissenter and didn't like Getaway, Getaway could have easily killed him. We know he's not above killing those in his way. So why hasn't he? Why has he kept him alive? Could it be his room is locked to prevent any of the Ex Decepticons from getting in and killing him? And correct me if I'm wrong, but Getaway made the Galactic Council promise that only Megatron would be killed, the other Autobots would just be marooned. They had no part in the DJD turning up and trying to kill everyone.
Getaway is not the irredeamable little **** everyone is hating on him as. He has displaying more honourable qualities that I'm not seeing anyone remember. Just sayin.....
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1917999)
Posted by ScottyP on October 23rd, 2017 @ 9:55am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on October 23rd, 2017 @ 9:55am CDT
This seemed like the appropriate thread to see if anyone noticed the new emoticon available on the boards 
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918002)
Posted by Kurona on October 23rd, 2017 @ 10:04am CDT
The duality of Rodimus
Posted by Kurona on October 23rd, 2017 @ 10:04am CDT
The duality of Rodimus
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918027)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on October 23rd, 2017 @ 11:05am CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on October 23rd, 2017 @ 11:05am CDT
OK, so I wanted to add some of my thoughts when I was on briefly Friday, but this thread had so much I really didn't have anything to add.
That said, I was bored out of my mind at the reception for my cousin's wedding Saturday night, surrounded by upper 20 year olds drinking and I really didn't want to be there, and a thought hit me: MTMTE issue 55, page 1.
Here is the page for reference, pay attention to the very bottom
It has been brought up several times that Getaway had a legit reason to mutiny, that in all actuality, he had justifiable action. And then the Lost Light went dark for 18 months our time, and now here we are again finally. And it appears as though Getaway has done all this really bad stuff. There are crewmembers missing, there are brains/spines in engex jars, and he overall seems like a madman, and what was that Roberts tweet about narcissists?
Also, we remember how he was willing to sacrifice Tailgate by manipulating him so Megatron would die or be re-imprisoned.
And then we run into an issue I have with this issue: How did Riptide know the DJD had attacked? Getaway was shown to not have anything to do with that, and the only people he and the crew knew were coming were the galactic council, and as the page above shows, Getaway had tried to make them promise to only harm Megatron, the sign that he didn't want the crew to come to any harm, he just wanted Megatron supporters out of the way. And since the Lost Light was on blackout, would they really have all seen the last recordings the crew did, and did any of the crew mention the DJD? (I don't think the ones on panel did).
So basically, Getaway was willing to kill a Minibot so Megatron would be removed. He then lead a mutiny to remove the Megatron supporters, but only intended for Megs to die and the rest to be removed unharmed. And then the Lost Light goes dark. Somehow, some crew members end up as brains in booze with teethmarks, and others that felt the mutiny was wrong are put in stasis with looped memories. Some somehow know the DJD were involved, others still feel the mutiny was wrong but fear saying so, and Getaway is shown to be an absolute piece of shit.
This is inconsistent and is now really bothering me, even though I did like the issue.
P.S. Pay attention to First Aid's quotes from the beginning 4 pages and the end. An "oh" changes to an "ah"
That said, I was bored out of my mind at the reception for my cousin's wedding Saturday night, surrounded by upper 20 year olds drinking and I really didn't want to be there, and a thought hit me: MTMTE issue 55, page 1.
Here is the page for reference, pay attention to the very bottom
It has been brought up several times that Getaway had a legit reason to mutiny, that in all actuality, he had justifiable action. And then the Lost Light went dark for 18 months our time, and now here we are again finally. And it appears as though Getaway has done all this really bad stuff. There are crewmembers missing, there are brains/spines in engex jars, and he overall seems like a madman, and what was that Roberts tweet about narcissists?
Also, we remember how he was willing to sacrifice Tailgate by manipulating him so Megatron would die or be re-imprisoned.
And then we run into an issue I have with this issue: How did Riptide know the DJD had attacked? Getaway was shown to not have anything to do with that, and the only people he and the crew knew were coming were the galactic council, and as the page above shows, Getaway had tried to make them promise to only harm Megatron, the sign that he didn't want the crew to come to any harm, he just wanted Megatron supporters out of the way. And since the Lost Light was on blackout, would they really have all seen the last recordings the crew did, and did any of the crew mention the DJD? (I don't think the ones on panel did).
So basically, Getaway was willing to kill a Minibot so Megatron would be removed. He then lead a mutiny to remove the Megatron supporters, but only intended for Megs to die and the rest to be removed unharmed. And then the Lost Light goes dark. Somehow, some crew members end up as brains in booze with teethmarks, and others that felt the mutiny was wrong are put in stasis with looped memories. Some somehow know the DJD were involved, others still feel the mutiny was wrong but fear saying so, and Getaway is shown to be an absolute piece of shit.
This is inconsistent and is now really bothering me, even though I did like the issue.
P.S. Pay attention to First Aid's quotes from the beginning 4 pages and the end. An "oh" changes to an "ah"
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918036)
Posted by Insurgent on October 23rd, 2017 @ 11:19am CDT
Posted by Insurgent on October 23rd, 2017 @ 11:19am CDT
It's only inconsistant because the narrative is making us believe Getaway has done all this out of malice. Read my previous post for a theory on why it's not actually inconsistent and all this still fits with his 'Only hurt Megatron' mentality.'
And if that oh changed to ah and was not a typo, then...... I guess it means something. I was essentially just skimming those last pages.
And if that oh changed to ah and was not a typo, then...... I guess it means something. I was essentially just skimming those last pages.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918038)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on October 23rd, 2017 @ 11:23am CDT
i did read your post, but I really do feel Roberts has been inconsistent with Getaway. He is a very complex character that I think isn't being done proper justice at this point.
And the typo's have been used before: It was used when Chromedome was listening to Rewinds last message back in issues 28-30, and the message changed, which lead to the indication things weren't right and then we got Lost Light 2 and a new Rewind
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on October 23rd, 2017 @ 11:23am CDT
Insurgent wrote:It's only inconsistant because the narrative is making us believe Getaway has done all this out of malice. Read my previous post for a theory on why it's not actually inconsistent and all this still fits with his 'Only hurt Megatron' mentality.'
And if that oh changed to ah and was not a typo, then...... I guess it means something. I was essentially just skimming those last pages.
i did read your post, but I really do feel Roberts has been inconsistent with Getaway. He is a very complex character that I think isn't being done proper justice at this point.
And the typo's have been used before: It was used when Chromedome was listening to Rewinds last message back in issues 28-30, and the message changed, which lead to the indication things weren't right and then we got Lost Light 2 and a new Rewind
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918044)
Posted by ArmadaPrime on October 23rd, 2017 @ 12:37pm CDT
Posted by ArmadaPrime on October 23rd, 2017 @ 12:37pm CDT
You know, I 100% disagree about getaway but I had largely forgotten the whole only-harm-megatron thing. Way I see it though, he's dealt with the council before and must know they're hardly the honourable type. Perhaps he didn't actively want the others to come to harm, but I somehow doubt he cares.
I do agree that the engex is probably to protect the vulnerable spinal cords, though only of those he'd already extracted and messed with (this is rudimentary mnemosurgery, I doubt there's anyone on board who can do it in a sophisticated manner). Less protect-these-people and more itd-be-bad-if-they-died?
I also had totally missed the change of words, and I imagine it's very deliberate- FA starting to "wake up". Perhaps if it had been cut down to 1 or 2 pages I would've paid more attention, though would have missed the cleverness of the issues final line.
Tailgate's age is an odd point- I see him as a child in much the same way stardrive is a child (or at most a teen). Having been young before (first day on the job I think?) and then slept out the entire war, pretty much his only formative experiences are those aboard the LL. It's not by chance that his holomatter avatar is a baby (though for sure an exaggeration). Does that make even cyclonus/tailgate A Bit Weird? ...yes, actually. At least that was mutual and consensual though.
I do agree that the engex is probably to protect the vulnerable spinal cords, though only of those he'd already extracted and messed with (this is rudimentary mnemosurgery, I doubt there's anyone on board who can do it in a sophisticated manner). Less protect-these-people and more itd-be-bad-if-they-died?
I also had totally missed the change of words, and I imagine it's very deliberate- FA starting to "wake up". Perhaps if it had been cut down to 1 or 2 pages I would've paid more attention, though would have missed the cleverness of the issues final line.
Tailgate's age is an odd point- I see him as a child in much the same way stardrive is a child (or at most a teen). Having been young before (first day on the job I think?) and then slept out the entire war, pretty much his only formative experiences are those aboard the LL. It's not by chance that his holomatter avatar is a baby (though for sure an exaggeration). Does that make even cyclonus/tailgate A Bit Weird? ...yes, actually. At least that was mutual and consensual though.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918076)
Posted by Insurgent on October 23rd, 2017 @ 2:46pm CDT
Posted by Insurgent on October 23rd, 2017 @ 2:46pm CDT
Oh i agree, when he first started tailgate was a child. But by the start of season 2, i don't view him as such. He's grown alot since then and i would put him in the late teenager bracket when getaway pulled his stunt.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918078)
Posted by ArmadaPrime on October 23rd, 2017 @ 3:02pm CDT
That's a fair assesment actually- his spark spasm outbursts could even be considered a parallel to teenage rebellion/angst
Still makes the whole getaway stuff dodgy though- arguably slightly less so, but still very much dodgy
Posted by ArmadaPrime on October 23rd, 2017 @ 3:02pm CDT
Insurgent wrote:Oh i agree, when he first started tailgate was a child. But by the start of season 2, i don't view him as such. He's grown alot since then and i would put him in the late teenager bracket when getaway pulled his stunt.
That's a fair assesment actually- his spark spasm outbursts could even be considered a parallel to teenage rebellion/angst
Still makes the whole getaway stuff dodgy though- arguably slightly less so, but still very much dodgy
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918186)
Posted by Va'al on October 24th, 2017 @ 9:41am CDT
Posted by Va'al on October 24th, 2017 @ 9:41am CDT
And in other comics news from IDW Publishing, we head back to where it all started - again. The Transformers: Lost Light first volume is out soon, and we've received the advance preview for the collected trade paperback, mirrored below for your viewing pleasure!
Transformers: Lost Light, Vol. 1
James Roberts (w) • Jack Lawrence (a & c)
Universe united, universe divided! In the aftermath of Revolution, Rodimus and his crew are stranded with no ship—and no hope of escape! Five years ago, Rodimus and a collection of traumatized, lovelorn and/or sarcastic Autobots set off on a quest to find Cyberutopia. So far, they've made a right hash of it. They've misplaced their map. They've lost their ship, the Lost Light, to a mutinous escapologist. Oh, and they're dead. Collects issues #1–6.
TPB • FC • $19.99 • 144 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-992-9
Bullet points:
2017 promises to be the year of Transformers with the release of Transformers: The Last Knight.
Advance solicited for October release!
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918188)
Posted by Kurona on October 24th, 2017 @ 9:53am CDT
What... does this... mean?
Posted by Kurona on October 24th, 2017 @ 9:53am CDT
Bullet points:
2017 promises to be the year of Transformers with the release of Transformers: The Last Knight.
What... does this... mean?
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918209)
Posted by william-james88 on October 24th, 2017 @ 10:48am CDT
Nothing
Posted by william-james88 on October 24th, 2017 @ 10:48am CDT
Kurona wrote:Bullet points:
2017 promises to be the year of Transformers with the release of Transformers: The Last Knight.
What... does this... mean?
Nothing
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918227)
Posted by ricemazter on October 24th, 2017 @ 12:26pm CDT
My guess is that at the time, whenever this blurb was written, they were banking on Transformers: the last knight being such a massive cinematic hit that 2017 would forever be known as the year of Transformers. Somehow, I guess, this was meant to also make the comics successful. Maybe? I dunno.
Posted by ricemazter on October 24th, 2017 @ 12:26pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:Kurona wrote:Bullet points:
2017 promises to be the year of Transformers with the release of Transformers: The Last Knight.
What... does this... mean?
Nothing
My guess is that at the time, whenever this blurb was written, they were banking on Transformers: the last knight being such a massive cinematic hit that 2017 would forever be known as the year of Transformers. Somehow, I guess, this was meant to also make the comics successful. Maybe? I dunno.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918262)
Posted by Hydrargyrus on October 24th, 2017 @ 5:39pm CDT
Posted by Hydrargyrus on October 24th, 2017 @ 5:39pm CDT
Anyone here collect in this format? Any thoughts on it?
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918296)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on October 24th, 2017 @ 10:56pm CDT
Posted by Rodimus Prime on October 24th, 2017 @ 10:56pm CDT
Ugh. Anode. I almost forgot. 
Anyway, I haven't read any of the Lost Light issues, for 2 reasons: I learned my lesson with Dying of The Light that Roberts has been exposed as mediocre at best, someone who can't keep a coherent story together from issue to issue, never mind keeping a complex character like Getaway on the same level from issue to issue. Also, Dying of The Light was pretty decent as a TPB, even with the garbage ending, but it has to be read all at once. So I am willing to give Lost Light one chance, by reading the Volume 1 TPB. If I don't like it, I'm done with this crap, and I will never again waste a minute of my time reading or a penny of my money buying anything with Roberts' name on it.
Anyway, I haven't read any of the Lost Light issues, for 2 reasons: I learned my lesson with Dying of The Light that Roberts has been exposed as mediocre at best, someone who can't keep a coherent story together from issue to issue, never mind keeping a complex character like Getaway on the same level from issue to issue. Also, Dying of The Light was pretty decent as a TPB, even with the garbage ending, but it has to be read all at once. So I am willing to give Lost Light one chance, by reading the Volume 1 TPB. If I don't like it, I'm done with this crap, and I will never again waste a minute of my time reading or a penny of my money buying anything with Roberts' name on it.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918300)
Posted by WreckerJack on October 24th, 2017 @ 11:44pm CDT
I like volumes but they can be kinda pricey. I will say that 20 bucks for 6 issues is a good deal. I also really like how volumes fit on a shelf. Kinda hard to collect because I wind up buying the paper issues so its harder to justify buying the same issues over in a collection. So it has its ups and downs, depending if you are patient or not.
Posted by WreckerJack on October 24th, 2017 @ 11:44pm CDT
MagicDeath wrote:Anyone here collect in this format? Any thoughts on it?
I like volumes but they can be kinda pricey. I will say that 20 bucks for 6 issues is a good deal. I also really like how volumes fit on a shelf. Kinda hard to collect because I wind up buying the paper issues so its harder to justify buying the same issues over in a collection. So it has its ups and downs, depending if you are patient or not.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918301)
Posted by ricemazter on October 25th, 2017 @ 12:03am CDT
Honestly, I recommend getting the digital versions on Comixology over the trade. Over on comixology, each individual issue drops in price by 50% after a month or so. Right now, you can buy all 6 volume one issues for $12 online rather than $20 in a trade. IDW is also one of the few publishers on Comixology that lets you download a pdf of their comics, so you can have a drm free version if you're so inclined. A much better deal imo.
Posted by ricemazter on October 25th, 2017 @ 12:03am CDT
WreckerJack wrote:MagicDeath wrote:Anyone here collect in this format? Any thoughts on it?
I like volumes but they can be kinda pricey. I will say that 20 bucks for 6 issues is a good deal. I also really like how volumes fit on a shelf. Kinda hard to collect because I wind up buying the paper issues so its harder to justify buying the same issues over in a collection. So it has its ups and downs, depending if you are patient or not.
Honestly, I recommend getting the digital versions on Comixology over the trade. Over on comixology, each individual issue drops in price by 50% after a month or so. Right now, you can buy all 6 volume one issues for $12 online rather than $20 in a trade. IDW is also one of the few publishers on Comixology that lets you download a pdf of their comics, so you can have a drm free version if you're so inclined. A much better deal imo.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers: Lost Light #10 (1918302)
Posted by ricemazter on October 25th, 2017 @ 12:11am CDT
Good luck with that. The first volume of Lost Light is basically an arc that exists solely to get rid of Megatron, introduce a couple of new characters, and set up a whole ton of plot points that won't be resolved or explored until much later.
The series, as it is now, would have worked so much better if Megatron had died in the explosion, done away with Functionist Universe entirely, and just started with the mutineers plot line.
I'm in a weird position where I stopped reading since issue 7 but am vaguely interested in the mutiny. I want to read about Getaway's shenanigans, yet I won't pick it up because I am dreading the moment when that's over and the story gets mired in everything that was set up in the 1st volume.
Posted by ricemazter on October 25th, 2017 @ 12:11am CDT
Rodimus Prime wrote:Ugh. Anode. I almost forgot.
Anyway, I haven't read any of the Lost Light issues, for 2 reasons: I learned my lesson with Dying of The Light that Roberts has been exposed as mediocre at best, someone who can't keep a coherent story together from issue to issue, never mind keeping a complex character like Getaway on the same level from issue to issue. Also, Dying of The Light was pretty decent as a TPB, even with the garbage ending, but it has to be read all at once. So I am willing to give Lost Light one chance, by reading the Volume 1 TPB. If I don't like it, I'm done with this crap, and I will never again waste a minute of my time reading or a penny of my money buying anything with Roberts' name on it.
Good luck with that. The first volume of Lost Light is basically an arc that exists solely to get rid of Megatron, introduce a couple of new characters, and set up a whole ton of plot points that won't be resolved or explored until much later.
The series, as it is now, would have worked so much better if Megatron had died in the explosion, done away with Functionist Universe entirely, and just started with the mutineers plot line.
I'm in a weird position where I stopped reading since issue 7 but am vaguely interested in the mutiny. I want to read about Getaway's shenanigans, yet I won't pick it up because I am dreading the moment when that's over and the story gets mired in everything that was set up in the 1st volume.
